Proposed Victoria marina clears environmental assessment

A proposed mega-yacht marina for Victoria's inner harbour has cleared a federal environmental assessment, but a proponent says it still needs several approvals to proceed.

“Transport Canada has determined that the project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment,” said Lachlan MacLean, the general manager of marina operations for WAM Development Group.

The project still needs a navigable waters permit from the federal government, a lease on a water lot from the provincial government, and development permits for two buildings from the city of Victoria.

“This is a first step,” said MacLean. “It's a positive one.”

The decision on the environmental assessment is bad news, said Diane Carr from the Save Victoria Harbour Group. “A poor process yields a poor result. We're going to be looking at all options, including legal ones.”

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.